Commission launches a public consultation
for the coming Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The European Commission has launched a public
consultation on the recasting1 of the
2002 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive2. The consultation
will help the Commission gain input on the Energy Performance of Buildings
Directive from interested parties through an online questionnaire and thus
enable it to better develop the new proposal.

A proposal for the recasting of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
should be put forth by the end of 2008. The views expressed by stakeholders in
the public consultation will help clarify how the EU may best contribute to
improving the energy performance of buildings.

The buildings sector with its substantial share in EU energy use (40%) is key
for achieving the EU's energy policy objectives. It can address the challenges
of increasing EU energy dependence and growing CO2 emissions while providing
additional employment and business opportunities, a better quality of life for
citizens and reduced energy bills. However, a large part of its cost-effective
energy efficiency potential - estimated at 28% by 2020 - is not being achieved
in practice. Urgent action is therefore necessary. More information on the
consultation and the questionnaire itself is available at: